And they then dived into the mud bath and continued to call each other names. Probably a score draw.

Warning bells

Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy then surprised the chamber by getting an admission from the prime minister that he is negotiating with Tanzania to take Somali asylum seekers.

Did not this risk staring "an international trade in displaced people", he asked.

This is a hugely sensitive issue and despite the prime minister's attempt to suggest it was an entirely sensible policy, and to brand Mr Kenney as "absurd", will set off warning bells amongst human rights groups and with many MPs.

Then, just moments later - after a bizarre question from Anthony Steen which had something to do with a Buddhist retreat in Torbay, the council tax and it all being the Liberal Democrats' fault - reality crashed into the chamber in the shape of Northern Ireland.

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble dropped a bombshell by threatening to torpedo the entire peace process unless the government moved to address the latest apparent outbreak of IRA violence in the province.

Suddenly, the issue of Northern Ireland was back at the top of the prime minister's agenda and, from his remarks in the chamber, it appears he is ready to once again step into the process.